The Effect Of Competitive Pressure On Performance In The Milano Cortina Snowboard Big Air Competition: A Prospect Theory Analysis Of Risk-Taking Behavior And Technical Difference

Çiftçi M. C.

9th International Exercise and Sport Psychology Congress, Erzurum, Turkey, 3 - 05 April 2026, vol.1, pp.126-127, (Summary Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • Volume: 1
  • City: Erzurum
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.126-127
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationships between technical difficulty (TDS), risk-taking behavior (RTI), and competitive pressure (CPI) within the framework of Prospect Theory, and to determine their effects on elite athletes’ performance scores in Snowboard Big Air. Prospect Theory suggests that individuals tend to avoid risk under gains but become risk-seeking under losses (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). Accordingly, CPI and RTI were conceptualized as key decision-making parameters. Method: A retrospective observational design was employed using competition data from elite snowboard athletes. The Technical Difficulty Score (TDS) was calculated as the sum of rotation, cork, switch, and grab components. The Risk-Taking Index (RTI) was defined as the ratio of run-specific TDS to the athlete’s mean TDS (TDS_run / mean TDS_athlete). Competitive Pressure Index (CPI) was operationalized as a binary variable (0–1) based on directional constraints. Analyses included Spearman correlation, Mann–Whitney U test, and bootstrapped mediation analysis (5,000 iterations). Results:  Conclusion: No significant relationship was found between TDS and performance score in the full dataset (rₛ = 0.098, p = 0.441). However, when only successful landings (≥60 points) were considered, a moderate positive correlation emerged (rₛ = 0.393, p = 0.015). No significant difference was found between high and low RTI groups (p = 0.112). CPI showed a significant negative effect on performance (β = −46.101, p = .001). RTI did not mediate this relationship (ACME p = 0.897). Additionally, prior success did not significantly predict RTI (rₛ = −0.128, p = 0.626). The findings indicate that the contribution of technical difficulty to performance depends on successful landing execution. Within the Prospect Theory framework, competitive pressure directly impairs performance, not through changes in risk-taking behavior but likely via execution-related motor control errors. These results support the notion that choking under pressure negatively affects performance independently of strategic risk decisions. Keywords: Prospect Theory, Competitive Pressure, Risk-Taking, Snowboard Big Air, Technical Difficulty